“Gather Around, Elementary School Students!” Funao Elementary School Edition (Aired June 20, 2026)～Days at Funao Elementary School, Surrounded by Its Proud Local Specialties: Muscat Grapes and Sweet Peas

“Gather Around! Elementary School Students” airs on FM Kurashiki every Saturday from 8 to 9 a.m.

Hosted by Asuka Abe, the program visits elementary schools in Kurashiki City to report on what makes the schools and their districts special, and to hear children talk about their big dreams. Hearing directly from the children offers a fresh appreciation of the region’s appeal.

The June 20, 2026 (Saturday) broadcast featured “Funao Elementary School” in Funao, Kurashiki City.

We bring you the voices of these energetic children.

This article was contributed by FM Kurashiki Co., Ltd. The editorial team at Haretoco General Incorporated Association edited and published it.

The information presented was current when the article was published in July 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.

FM Kurashiki’s “Gather Around! Elementary School Students”

On “Gather Around! Elementary School Students,” the hosts interview sixth graders at the schools they visit, taking a closer look at what makes their schools special. Also featured is “What Makes Our District Special,” where children share what they like about their local area from their own perspective.

The program also features heartwarming interviews that may move adults, too, as children talk about their exciting dreams for the future and express gratitude to the family members who are always by their side.

This time, the program visited Funao Elementary School in Funao, Kurashiki City.

The children were quick to tell us what makes Funao Elementary School special.

About Funao Elementary School

Mimura Rinoka introduced Funao Elementary School. She gave her presentation brightly and confidently.

First, she highlighted the children’s “energy” and “ability to switch gears.”
During breaks, everyone rushes outside to play with all their might. But when the music signaling the start of class plays, they quickly shift their focus, return to the classroom, and get down to studying.

Many students are especially dedicated to “independent study.” When their notebooks fill up, the principal recognizes their hard work during the lunchtime TV broadcast. In 2025, so many students were featured that the broadcast aired once a week, with everyone diligently applying themselves to their studies. It must feel good to have your hard work recognized by everyone.

She also spoke about the “spirit of helping one another” across grade levels. When they see someone in trouble, the children don’t treat it as someone else’s problem; instead, they naturally reach out with kindness and offer to help.

Her introduction captured the warmth of Funao Elementary School.

Funao Elementary School Students Share What Makes Their School and District Special

Next, we’ll introduce what the children are proud of about their school and district.

Three students presented what makes Funao Elementary School and its district special in a ranked list.

No. 1: “Muscat of Alexandria”—about 90% of Japan’s production!

Morinaga Atsuto’s No. 1 pick is the muscat grapes that Funao is proud of.

Muscat of Alexandria, known as the “queen of fruits,” accounts for an astonishing 90% of Japan’s production, all grown in Funao. These muscat grapes receive plenty of sunshine and are delicious eaten fresh. They can also be enjoyed in many ways, including being made into fragrant wine at the local Funao Winery.

“What’s great about Funao’s muscat grapes is that we grow a lot of them, and there are many different ways to eat them,” Morinaga said confidently. Muscat grapes are a signature specialty that Funao can truly boast about.

No. 2: High-quality sweet peas, carefully cultivated

Takahashi Kana introduced the No. 2 pick: sweet peas, known for their high quality.

In Funao, sweet peas are carefully grown one stem at a time using a labor-intensive method called “upright cultivation.” As a result, the stems grow thicker and the petals become thicker, helping the flowers last much longer. More than 80 delicate shades are now produced, making them easy to match with a variety of interiors.

Every year, bouquets of sweet peas are also given to new students at Funao Elementary School’s entrance ceremony.

Sweet peas fill the air with their fragrance. “I hope you’ll try buying sweet peas from Funao,” Takahashi said.

No. 3: Funao Shrine’s Autumn Festival

Hirai Rikuto announced the final pick, No. 3. He introduced the “Funao Shrine Autumn Festival,” held every year on October 22 and 23.

At the Bitchu Kagura performances, which begin on the evening of the first day, dramatic acts are presented over several hours. The highlight is the customary mochi-throwing, which symbolizes “sharing good fortune.” In addition to rice cakes, sweets and other treats are tossed, and adults and children alike eagerly join in the fun.

On the day, a portable shrine is carried through town, and lively food stalls line the streets. “It’s fun to spot the portable shrine somewhere,” Hirai said, explaining that this traditional event, lovingly preserved by local people, is also a special major occasion for the children.

Surrounded by abundant local specialties such as muscat grapes and sweet peas, the children are learning to be considerate of others. Funao Elementary School is a lively and caring place of learning.

Children’s Voices, Looking to the Future

After hearing all about what makes the school special, we also asked the children about their dreams for the future.

Eighteen children answered our questions this time.
It’s exciting to imagine their futures—as professional athletes, nail artists, illustrators, teachers, and more.

The children’s determination to pursue what they love gave the adults great courage and moved them deeply.

Thank you to everyone at Funao Elementary School.